The Marburg Garden and Outdoor Expo

Held annually just a short drive from Ipswich CBD, this popular community event draws plant lovers, home gardeners, landscaping enthusiasts, and curious day-trippers from across South East Queensland. For visitors staying in Ipswich, it makes for an easy and enjoyable day trip — with plenty to see, shop for, and bring home.

What Is the Marburg Garden and Outdoor Expo?

The Marburg Garden and Outdoor Expo is a community-run event organised by volunteers through the Marburg Show Society. It has built a strong following over the years as one of the region’s most-loved garden and outdoor lifestyle events.

The expo focuses on gardening, landscaping, and outdoor living — covering everything from native plants and fruit trees to outdoor furniture, garden sculptures, and water-wise landscaping ideas. It’s not a corporate trade show; it’s a grassroots community event that genuinely reflects the interests of local growers, gardeners, and small businesses.

That community feel is a big part of why it attracts visitors from across South East Queensland each year — it’s friendly, affordable, and genuinely useful for anyone with a patch of dirt they want to make the most of.

Where Is It Held?

The expo is held at the Marburg Showgrounds, in the small township of Marburg, Queensland. Marburg sits just a short drive west of Ipswich CBD and is easily accessible via the Warrego Highway, making it a straightforward day trip for anyone staying in or around Ipswich.

If you’re basing yourself at a motel in Ipswich CBD, you’ll have no trouble getting out to Marburg and back in a single day, with plenty of time to browse at your own pace.

What You’ll Find at the Expo

Thousands of Plants for Every Garden: Plants are at the heart of the expo, with a strong selection across a wide range of categories, including:

• Native plants — locally suited species that support wildlife and low-maintenance gardens
• Flowering plants — annuals, perennials, and shrubs for colour and visual interest
• Fruit trees — suited to Queensland’s subtropical and warm-temperate conditions
• Herbs — culinary and medicinal varieties for kitchen gardens
• Succulents — popular for water-wise, low-maintenance planting
• Shade-loving plants — ideal for covered areas or under established trees
• Drought-tolerant species — great for Queensland gardens during dry periods

Arriving early gives you the best chance of securing the varieties you’re after, as popular plants tend to sell out quickly.

Gardening Supplies and Outdoor Living: Beyond plants, pick up practical gardening supplies including pots, raised garden beds, garden ornaments, watering equipment, soil improvers, mulch, and compost solutions. The outdoor living section covers outdoor furniture, BBQ accessories, decorative items, garden sculptures, fire pits, and shade solutions.

Planning Your Visit

The 2026 Marburg Garden and Outdoor Expo is confirmed for Saturday, 22 August 2026, running from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Marburg Showgrounds, 45–55 Queen St, Marburg. Free parking is available on-site, and dogs on leads are welcome!

Make Central Motel Ipswich Your Base

If you’re travelling to the Marburg Garden and Outdoor Expo from outside the region, staying in Ipswich overnight is a practical option — and Central Motel Ipswich is well placed to make it work. Located in the heart of Ipswich CBD, the motel is a short drive from Marburg via the Warrego Highway.

Central Motel Ipswich is pet-friendly, so your dog is welcome to join you. Rooms cater to solo travellers, couples, and families, with straightforward pricing and convenient amenities. Accommodation fills up around event time, so booking in advance is recommended.